jenny's in china!

Heyyyy all, its been a while since I last published a post. I am actually writing this from my phone, on a bus, in beijing. I ran out of the few internet minutes that I had on the ship and with time flying by its been hard to post. I will have to include my posts from india, Singapore, Vietnam, and Cambodia when I get some internet time with my computer. Its all been so amazing and I have many good stories to share.
As for now, I will clue you in with what's going on. I've been in china for the past 4 days. We ported in hong kong on Saturday and I left for beijing the following day. Hong kong was awesome, I spent the day wandering the city with a great group of girlfriends. We shopped, got acupressure treatment, visited Victoria's peak, and ended the day with a fantastic dinner at lookout peak. My friend Meredith and I went out to the bars and found ourselves at the biggest celebration of the year in hong kong. People from all over the world come out for rugby sevens. It was wild, a street party with all types of foreigners dressed in crazy costumes. We had the great time, best night of the voyage thus far. I somehow managed to get up for my flight in the morning and off to ;beijing I went!
My china trip through sas is a university exchange program at tsinghua university supposedly the harvard of china. Unfortunately, with some poor planning on their part the university didn't get the memo that we were coming. I haven't met any chinese students yet but I've done a lot of cool things like hike the great wall, visit a jade factory, summer palace, temple of heaven, forbidden city, and tienanmen square. Tonight we are going to an an acrobatic show!

So I will probably post more updates from my phone now that I've figure this out. Look forward to hearing from me more often!

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Mauritius

Mauritius is a place of wonder with beauty filling every aspect of its being. Although we were only docked for a day, I was able to see the Island with a distinct point of view.  As a student learning World Religions and South Asian Music, I am incorporating my newly acquired knowledge to real life experiences.  I stepped foot off the ship ready to explore Hindu temples with my South Asian Music professor, Laxmi Tewari.  This is what I saw and experienced.

All my senses were activated-the smell of incents and sweet flowers, the feeling of warm concrete on my bare feet, the sound of chanting, music, and bells ringing hit me through vibrations.  My eyes could not grasp the vibrant colors of the natural and man-made beauty.  Everything is so beautiful, appeasing and appealing to the eyes.  Intricate designs, carefully sculpted temples, everything is sacred.  The arrangement of food, architecture of temples, colors of clothing, plants and flowers, decorated Gods and Deities created a melody of experience. 

The first temple we visited was one of the most beautiful places of worship I have ever witnessed.  A place that I spotted before we even left the main road; intricate and dramatic architecture was visible its vibrant colors.  As we pulled down the long driveway, I observed a sanctuary of lush grounds, it reminded me of paradise.  The main temple had a large walkway of red tiles with gold lining, a grand entrance.  We took off our shoes at the end of the walkway and entered a canopy of worship with beautifully crafted sculptures.  An open area surrounded the main temple in which people were walking around.  My professor told me to talk to people and pushed me to ask these two women to show me around.  They were in long dresses with fancy scarves and gold jewelry.  I followed them as they walked around the entire temple.  She explained to me that it is appropriate to walk around the entire temple before entering.  The reason for her visit to the temple was for a ceremony in honor of her uncle who past away exactly a year ago.  We got to witness part of the ceremony, which involved some singing and chanting that I could not understand. 

            Some of us wandered outside, and a man motioned us to follow him and we did.  He took us to the other side of the temple where there was a crazy compilation of sculptures and designs, part of the architecture of the building. He spoke of the cosmic energy, and questioned if we have ever seen electricity.  He said that although you may not see it, you can see the effects of it and feel it.  If two people feel an electric shock they can talk about it with an understanding that others can not grasp.  It was a casual lecture from a toothless man with dingy clothes, he had so much knowledge to share with us and we were hungry for it.  One of most intriguing and thrilling lectures I have ever received.  This is the type of learning that sticks and derives a whole new curiosity for the bare wonderment of life.  The toothless man was soon interrupted by my professor who abruptly said, “lectures over, we must go now”.  We scurried out with three more temples to visit, we had much more learning to partake in. 

            The second temple we visited continued the theme of natural beauty and vibrant colors, a dream church in my mind.  We entered a service of live music and chanting, the floor was filled with people in bright dress showing a collage of color.  We took off our shoes and made our way around the temple and found an interesting spout that poured out yellow water.  Flowers rested around this magnificent sight of unfamiliarity, it was very interesting.  The smell of incents filled my nostrils as I inhaled a deep breath and observed the deities.  I followed Hindus as they prayed to each deity at the end of their walk.  On our way out we witnessed a group of men cutting firewood and preparing a rectangular pit.  One man informed us that this would soon be a large fire pit and he along with others would walk across it…barefoot!  He has been fasting for days in preparation for the large festival. 

            At the next temple we found more people preparing for the festival, it was only three days away.  We witnessed a prayer for the 9 planets; it included meticulously arranged plants, beans, food, and candles.  I was able to sit with one woman praying to Shiva, she explained to me that she is in devotion for 11 days to Shiva.  She shared her mat with me and showed her process of prayer.  She was so welcoming and it was very special to be close and intimate in prayer with her. 

            The last temple was further away and we hit some traffic on the way.  The streets were filled with people walking to the lake at the mountain where hundreds of thousands were congregating.  Groups of people were carrying float replicas of Gods that took up half the roadside.  The temple we visited was a major resting spot for individuals partaking in their 150 kilometer journey.  They were able to sleep, eat, and drink at the temple.  We walked through people sleeping on mats in all areas outside the temple.  They invited us to stay for food and tea but we had to leave.  They told us that over 2,000 people eat there throughout the year.  I would have liked to partake in this but our professor warned us that our stomachs would not fare well. 

            One thing that sticks out in my mind from this day is the variation in activities and people at each temple.  Each one was an extremely different scene, a lack of hegemony, which varies from my perception of religious places of worship, especially on Sundays.  Overall, this was a wonderful day that transformed my introduction knowledge of Hinduism into a new light.   I would not say I’ve acquired understanding because I am still quite confused and will probably always be.  I do understand and realize the importance of Hinduism in culture.  It is not just a religion but a way of life that recognizes the sacred in so many different ways. 

We left the temples around noon and had the next 4 hours to live it up in Mauritius.  The group that went to the temple ventured to the beach and had quite the day.  We swam for hours, soaked up the sun, went tubing in the ocean, and enjoyed beers by the beach.  It was pretty incredible.  

Cape Town, South Africa!

So amazing. I will to return to South Africa someday, I have to!  Five days in Cape Town is not enough for a place of infinite beauty and activities.  The word to describe Cape Town is rich.  Rich in its natural beauty-coastline, mountains, wine lands, its array of gourmet fresh food and wine, the variety of animals-baboons, penguins at the beach, sharks, and blend of cultures.  There is not much I can say to give it justice.  My only piece of advice is that you have to go and experience it yourself. 

Kind of brief, but here is what I did in Cape Town:

Day 1: Double Decker Tour bus around the city, hiked Lion’s Head to watch sunset over Atlantic ocean and full moon rise over the city

Day 2: Full Day trip to Cape Point: Breakfast market-every type of food, artisan, best food market I have ever witnessed, Simon’s Town, penguins at Boulder Beach, Cape of Good Hope-splashed/soaked at point where Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet, played soccer with locals at beach on way back

Day 3: Brunch, World Cup Stadium-they wouldn’t let us inside b/c they were cleaning up from U2 concert, church at Hillsong, Camps Bay at night-mountainside, beach, clubs and bars

Day 4: Hiked Table Mountain-ended up hiking with Rastafarian from Ivory Coast named Tiger, shopping, wandering

Day 5: Wine Tasting. Shout out to Sam Pompei who totally hooked it up!  Sam worked at Speir winery and set up a complementary VIP tasting for my friends and me.  It was the perfect day, absolutely amazing-great wine, friends, and food at one of the most beautiful places.  Great conclusion to my visit in Cape Town!

Samuel's Story

I have a beautiful story to tell.  It all began at the last place I’d expect, Ocean Bar.  My first taste of night life in Takoradi was bittersweet.    A group of Semester at Sea kids flooded the local bar and a mix of cultures was bonded over beers and conversations.  Many Ghanaians were selling snacks, artwork, and jewelry.  There were young kids at the bar selling snacks, one young boy with a big smile caught my attention. My motherly instinct questioned how old is this boy and what is he doing here on a school night.  It was obvious, he was working selling peanut snacks.  He had a large plate balanced on the top of his head with stacks of peanut bars aligned in a circle.   I motioned him in my direction, I wanted to try this peanut snack; I had seen it before and was curious.  I bought one from him and striked up a conversation as I munched on tough peanut brittle snack.  His name was Samuel, he’s 12 years old, and his mom makes the peanut snacks.  He pointed to his brother Prince who was also selling peanut snacks, they’re sidekicks.  I couldn’t help but ask, “What are you doing here so late on a Tuesday night, don’t you have school?”  His smile faded as he told me that he does not go to school, that is why he is here making money…so he can someday make enough to pay for books.  My mind was in shock, I could not process or comprehend this.  I tried not to flip out but internally my mind was racing, emotions flaring, and comprehension non-existent.  I had many questions and it seemed as though Samuel wanted me to ask them.  I did not hold back, I immediately cared for this boy and he liked the attention.  Besides lots of smiles and laughs, here is what I gathered.  Samuel does not go to school because he can not afford his textbooks which cost approximately $10 US dollars.  He and his brother Prince have been a team selling peanut candy for the past 9 years.  The time frame does not make sense to me but I have learned that time and age aren’t very important.  Some people don’t know how old they are or the date of their birth.  Crazy huh, it’s difficult for my Western mind to grasp.  Anyways, Samuel and Prince live in a family of five children and only one of them is currently in school.  My next thought was that they just don’t want to go to school and sit in class all day.  This sounds about right for many kids’ in America.  I was completely wrong, blown away.  Samuel wants to go to school so badly, when he talks about school his face lights up.  He really likes art and wishes he could study it in school.  But, what Samuel really wants to do, is become a pilot.  A young child with the dreams to fly ahhhh meaningful in so many ways.  His charisma and excitement in telling me about his dreams and desires made me encourage him and want to support him because I do not know anyone else who does.  Maybe I am mistaken or fooled but I couldn’t help this intuitive urge.  I had to do something.

Throughout this conversation, I could not stop smiling because Samuel wouldn’t stop smiling.  He actually tried to control his excitement and smile by biting his lip and pulling his smile shut.  I knew this trick and if it didn’t work he would hide his smile with his arm.  Of course this made me laugh and smile even more!  Maybe Samuel was hiding his excitement to himself, maybe in an attempt to protect himself from disappointment.   Underneath my smile was despair and concern.  I was heartbroken by his story but filled with joy through our interaction.  The sadness settled in with the knowledge that no matter what I do, the deep rooted problem does not change.  That this is one child among millions in the world who needs help.  But, it would be foolish and lame for me to use this as an excuse not to do something good. 

            I went to get change from the bar for another peanut snack and got distracted by a man’s paintings.  I was talking with him, admiring his work and telling him about my friend Samuel who wants to learn art.  I motioned Samuel over, introduced them, and asked for Samuel’s opinion.  Joe, the artist picked one up that I had not seen before and Samuel pointed and smiled, “that one”.  I would have picked it if he had not said anything; the picture is of people gathering underneath a huge tree.  Throughout this interaction, Joe decided to help Samuel paint and I asked if they could write down their names and what they are going to do.  Joe wrote down his email and “I will teach Samuel how to paint and that is my number….-Teacher”  I told Samuel to write below it and sign his name.  He wrote, “I want to study how to paint and learn how to drive airplane-Samuel”.  Joe sketched a picture of Samuel by his signature.  This is a very special painting that I did not plan on buying.

I didn’t bring much money but decided that I could pass up my drinks for the night for this painting/experience/commitment/new beginning.  This brought me to amazement as I looked around at the flow of cash and consumption of drinks.  How we spend our money may seem like it only has an affect on us, the buyer.  But, truth is every purchase we make whether at a small bar in Ghana or department store in America, has huge implications.  We are all connected and our decisions have an affect on others even if we are blind to see them.  For me, I could put my money towards another drink or towards one of Joe’s paintings.  I could invest it in someone else or myself. The amount of money is so insignificant in comparison to the amount I spend on frivolous things.  Here is an upsetting fact “Americans spend $8 billion a year on cosmetics-2 billion more than the estimated total needed to provide basic education for everyone in the world”.  Everyday, my encounters with the world make me question my way of life.  All the unnecessary things I have in my life and all the needs of people worldwide.  It is not something I have just noticed to be inherently wrong but it makes me re-evaluate my position in this world.  I believe if I have extra, it is my moral obligation to give to those who need.  I was provided with an education and every aid necessary, if there is another human being who got the bad end of the stick and I have access to help them, I must.  It is not even a question.  I do not see the difference between Samuel and I or anyone.  We are all human beings; all were children to begin with. 

Next Day: 2/10

This morning, I woke at 6:40 with the plan to meet Samuel and Prince at the gate of the port.  I would meet them at 7AM sharp and we would quickly go downtown and buy textbooks before I had to leave at 8AM.  I was already stressed about the time crunch and to make matters worse, my friend backed out on coming with me.  Determined to not let these boys down, I walked down to the gangway to find it raining outside.  I was unsure about going alone and decided to go back to wake up my friend Miller.  It was already 7AM and I was stressing, I had to make it back by 8.  It takes about 15 minutes to walk to the gate, which is the end of the port.  Miller suggested running to the end, I laughed and started running in my sandals, in the rain.  True determination.  After a couple minutes, we hitched a ride with a Canadian worker and he took us to the gate of the port.  Filled with adrenaline, we searched for Samuel and Prince in the rain and we bombarded with everyone except them. I found our friend Joe the painter and asked him where they could be.  He knew that we were going to meet up and said they probably would show up later in the afternoon when the rain clears out.  There was only one problem with this, my FDP ended at 4 and on ship time was at 6.  I explained to Joe the situation and he said he would talk to them.  I was disappointed but there was not much else I could do, I gave it a good try.

Somehow it was meant to be, my FDP ended two hours which gave me just enough time to pursue Samuel and Prince.  I didn’t know who was coming or exactly what was going to happen.  I just knew that I had to meet Samuel and Prince at the gate to fulfill my commitment.  I tried to find someone to come with me and could not manage to find a soul.  I could not let down these boys, I was determined to go and the moment I decided to move forward without a companion, an angel came into my life.  It was my friend Laura, she was doing some last minute shopping at the port vendors and I knew she was my only hope.  I briefly and frantically explained where I was going and that I needed a companion.  Confused and unsure about what I was talking about she freely dropped the items she was going to buy and joined.  I was so thankful at this moment; I immediately knew that Laura was a true friend.  Laura and I, both blonde, blue eyes, and pale complexions arrived at the gate with a mission and a time constraint.  We were immediately bombarded with people haggling us to buy something.  I was stressed and hoped for Samuel and Prince to be there.  Samuel’s bright smile showed through the crowd, he and prince ran over.   They both had plates of peanut bars balanced on their heads and grins that made them look like they might loose balance.   I gave Samuel a hug and his impressive balance sustained.  In the middle of people haggling us, we coordinated a plan shouting over the chaos.  We found a great taxi cab driver who gave us a deal, he wanted to help us help them.  Trying to escape the madness we walked over to the cab with the plan to make it back in one hour.  We would head over to Samuel and Prince family’s home to meet their mom and then head to textbook store.  I was confused of why we would go to their home but with such a strong community and safe experience in Ghana; my heart ruled my head.  Still a little weary and unsure I prayed for everything to work out, for the good to prevail.  The taxi cab driver, Emannuel was very helpful and knew of their family. Erik, a friend of Prince and Samuels followed us to the cab, he also wanted textbooks.  I told him we didn’t have enough seats in the cab and I was sorry.  I felt really bad but didn’t want this to turn to a free for all.  As I entered the cab, I heard Laura say “Hey Erik, want to share the front seat with me, we can both fit”.  Surprised about this, but more so surprised with myself in the fact that I had turned Erik away from a chance to get texts books only for an extra ten dollars, an extra squeeze.  I was so thankful an amazed with Laura.  We all fit in the cab and were well on our way for an adventure. 
                                
Within about five minutes, after driving through town we entered their neighborhood, a dirt road lined with shanty tin and wood infrastructure. We arrived at their home, a shack in the middle of many.  A woman was sitting outside and smiled when we arrived.  As we climbed out of the cab, this woman greeted us with joy.  She shook my hand and did not let go, just held it and smiled.  More and more family members came outside to greet us.  Three mothers, two with babies on their backs and many children came out to see the excitement.  We were greeted with warmth, love, and appreciation.  I finally deciphered the mother of Prince and Charles, she stood next to me, a beautiful older woman with grey hair and a baby on her back.  She shook my hand and held it, with her other hand she brushed the hair off my cheek and then with two hands held my right hand and said, “God bless you”.  So clear and sincere, I realized the impact of this moment.  My eyes welled with tears, this was too much for me to conceive.  Every family member gathered around and smiles of appreciation shined through.  After today, these boys would go to school.

At the bookstore, the boys ran wild in the small room, they knew exactly what to get.  They each got plain notebooks with paper, mathematics books, a social studies book to share, pencils, and a math tool kit.  Samuel picked out a small thing of markers; this made me so happy and reminds me of our first conversation.  He told me that he like art.  The smiles on their faces were unlike any I have experienced, filled with joy and appreciation.  The total for all three boys books came out to 55.30 Cedies(approx $35US dollars).  I put in 50, Laura put in 5, and Samuel contributed the 30 pesois.  I was out of money and Laura had just enough, 15 Cedies left to pay for the taxi back.  It worked out perfectly.  The fact that Samuel contributed to his textbooks is so special.  Although it was a small amount, he worked for that money and invested in his own education.  I don’t quite know how describe all of this.  My emotions and feelings were all over the place not easy to identify.  It was hard to say goodbye to my new friends whom I grew so fond of.
                   

Here is a little info on each one:

Samuel.  I just love this kid, he has the biggest smile and sweetest spirit.  Every time I made eye contact with him he would burst into a huge smile but would cover it with his hand or bite his lip.  I would smile back and he couldn’t sustain hiding his smile.  Samuel is 12 years old, has worked with his brother selling peanut cakes for 9 years.  He loves art and mathematics.  He wants to be a pilot when he grows up.

Prince.  Samuel’s brother and side kick in selling peanut cakes for the past 9 years. His favorite subject is mathematics and I believe he has only had two terms of schooling.  Prince wants to be a doctor when he grows up.

Erik. The boy who I turned down initially, but he found a way in and I am so thankful.  He sells peanut cakes with Prince and Samuel; their families are neighbors.  He is 14 years old and his favorite subject is biology.  Erik wants to be an engineer when he grows up.

                               

I hope for the best in their education, for education is their only hope.  I know that Samuel will attract many more helpers in his life with that smile of his.   I have had a difficult time grasping their life situation and lack of opportunity.  I am still surprised that the reason for not going to school is that they could not afford textbooks, which only cost $10 US dollars.  For a little over $30 dollars, an hour of my time, I could help these kids.  I do not know the impact of this or what will happen when they need more textbooks.  I may just be another “rich” American along the way who could provide some help but I know this is not the case because what happened today goes beyond any sum of money.  It was the interaction, the meeting of family, the act of taking time out of my life to help these kids get by.   Throughout my stay in Ghana, so many people went completely out of their way to help me out.  They did not have to but they did.  I think about how many people helped me throughout my life.  I never had to buy my own books or supplies; someone older always took care of me.  Today, I was that person and I could give back.  I feel a little older, wiser, and lighter.  It felt good to give up some money that I had intended to buy on souvenirs and invest it in something so much better than material item.  To see the boys smile and giggle with excitement brings so much joy to my life.  Reflecting on today, I understand that although it was so simple, it took effort.  I took a large risk and pursued it with determination, for the rest, I left my trust in God.  Faith and good intentions prevailed into a beautiful experience and outcome.  Almost like magic everything worked perfectly. 
                     

An Ideal World for Kids with Disabilities in Ghana

I was chatting with the doctor on our ship about plans for Ghana and we found out that we were both going to Accra.  He told me he was going to Accra to visit this place that makes orthopedics for children, which was fascinating to me.  He could see my excitement and invited me to come along.  Three of us girls accompanied Dr Bill and his wife Suzie to the Orthopedic Training Center.  After a long drive we pulled up a long driveway lined with trees to a welcoming center.  The entrance had large trees that offered a canopy of shade.  People in wheelchairs and on crutches were relaxing on this patio.  A statue stood in front, it had three young kids standing together, one on crutchs, one with a prostetic leg, and another in a leg brace, underneath it said, “All children are God’s gift”.  My first impression was very good and would just get better.  Sister Elizabeth greeted us; she is the woman who runs the place.  She took us into her office so we could sit down and talk before the tour.  She gave us a complete rundown of the Center with information on the history, politics, issues, children, philosophy, faith, and successes.  I wish I could remember it all and give it the justice it deserves.  I was extremely impressed with the organization in every aspect.  It is sponsored or affiliated with the Catholic Church and I believe this is the driving force for its success.  On the back of their calendar it says, “These past 50 years have been filled with many blessings, and we are grateful to God for all that has been accomplished to improve the lives of the physically challenged in Ghana.”  So many individuals, especially children are physically disabled with very few options available to them in their society.  It is not an easy place to live if you have any form of disability.  Sister Elizabeth welcomes every individual who needs help.  It is not just a place for rehabilitation but for healing.  The grounds of the Center are beautiful with flowers, open space, great trees, and a small swimming pool for rehabilitation work. 

We got a complete tour of the grounds.  There is a huge factory that makes all of the orthopedics, shoes, wheelchairs, crutches, and just about anything.  We got to see craftsmen at work and each item of work was identified with a person.  Sister Elizabeth would tell us a story of despair and then hold up an orthopedic and talk of hope.  In the same building of the factory, patients are being seen and measure for orthopedics.  Outside of the factory another building is a home for mothers and children.  Many babies are born with clef feet and have early reconstruction.  There is a school on site, rooms for boys and girls, and three meals a day.  It is fully staffed with devoted doctors, educators, nuns, shoe and prosthetics makers, and helpers.  This was an eye opening experience to see an incredibly successful program.  

GHANA

I had no idea what to expect from Ghana and was actually quite nervous for my travels.  As we walked off the ship we entered an unusual port, an industrialized shipping area lined with factories.  There were workers with masks and smells ranging from vinegar to chocolate to urine.  A large flat bed loaded with bags of sodium nitrate passed us as we walked along railroad tracks in the heat, lugging our big backpacks. It’s about a 15-minute walk to reach the gate of the port in which access to downtown is available through taxis.  Four of us jumped in a taxi and headed for the bus to Accra, the capital of Ghana.  I had no idea what this journey would entail; I was relying on Ferrah to lead the way.  She spent the past summer in Ghana and her best friend, who we were visiting, is studying abroad in Accra.  After about five hours of navigating public transportation we would finally meet her Banku Junction.  Using public transportation was quite the experience and memorable.  We met so many wonderful and friendly people who went completely out of their way to help us.   This is what made my trip in Ghana so great, the people and the smiles.  In every car, truck or bus I would look out the window and make eye contact with children, we would exchange eager smiles and waves.  Some kids would run after. There was one boy who was walking home with his father and as I waved to him from the back of the bus he paused and then walked in the opposite direction of his father, following the bus.  This boy must have been 4 years old and the cutest thing ever! I still have this vivid picture of him walking down the dirt road in his blue and white school uniform toward me.  His dad didn’t even notice that he had left him and the boy didn’t even care to look back.

Excuse me if I jump around like crazy.

While we were in Accra, we visited Dana’s homestay, which was a very nice house in an affluent area.  We went out for a Ghanaian meal of chicken, joolof rice, fried platains, and beer.  It was delicious and very filling.  I really enjoyed the food of Ghana, some of my favorites included fried plantains with roasted peanuts, fresh mangos, pineapple, and papaya, fan ice which is iced chocolate milk, chocolate, spicy rice, egg sandwich…yum yum yum.   One night, Dana took us to the University campus for dinner at a night market.  We walked along rows of open tents selling food and various things.  It was very dark for their only lighting was gas lamps.  It was a really cool setting, reminded me of a base camp but bustling with people and food.  There were tables loaded with fresh fruit and vegetables.  I got my dinner from a buffet line of rice, beans, meats, plantains, and so on.  For 2 Cedi ($1.43 US) I got a full plate of food that I could not finish even after stuffing my face!

            We spent hours at the art market and made soooo many friends!  I got lost in booths of artwork, clothes, crafts, jewelry, and woodwork.  It was not necessarily the things I saw but the people I interacted with.  I met one Ghanaian who had been to Berkeley before for drumming!  It was an instant connection; he called me sister and gave us drumming lessons.  The time flew by as we laughed and drummed with all our new friends.  This was one of my favorite memories thus far. 

I surprisingly felt very safe in Ghana.  They are very strict on crime and have a strong community.  They said if anyone tried to rob someone in public they would get caught and beat up by community members.  Everyone I encountered cared about my safety and wanted to make sure I was enjoying my time in Ghana.  Also, the people of Ghana love the United States, there was Obama stuff everywhere.  One woman said, “Ghana and American are one country, we are one people” another said “Nothing separates us, just the color of our skin”

The only time I did not feel safe was when we tried to get a bus back to Accra.  Our taxi cab driver took us to a bus station that was recommended from a man at the hotel.  We were driving through areas that were of deep poverty.  Our driver told us to hold tight onto our bags, it is not a safe area.  Immediately my heart beat a little faster and I clenched my bag. I rolled up my window as the road narrowed and more people roamed the streets.  Shacks, livestock, and trash lined the dirt road.  Next thing I know, the road narrowed and crowds of people surrounded us.  We reached the bus station and it looked nothing like the one we had come in on.  We completely stood out, four white girls with a lot of stuff.  People surrounded our taxi and yelled to try to get us to take their bus.  Every person stared into our taxi and then followed us.  It was complete chaos.  I was so nervous.  We tried to figure out what was going on as our taxi cab driver conversed with men.  Conversed is not the right word, argued, haggled, mediated.  I honestly don’t know how to describe this situation.  Thank God our taxi cab driver decided to turn around and take us to another bus station, he said that one was not safe for us.  He questioned why the man at the hotel told him to go there, it was obviously not a place for foreigners.

            I spent the last two days doing Semester at Sea trips.  I went for a hike in Anasaka National Park and got to swim in the ocean!  After the hike we went to a beach for lunch and with 8 minutes to get onto the bus my friend Austin and I ran down the dirt hill, jumped in the ocean, and sprinted back up the hill to the bus.  Whew! I sat in my wet clothes for the bus ride home but it was so worth it.   It felt so good to run into the ocean! The water was unbelievably warm and the sand was so soft.  The next day, I went to a hospital where I learned about women’s health and child birthing practices.  It was intense.  We spent a couple hours talking with a doctor and then got a complete tour of the childbirth clinic.  I didn’t see any live births but got to see women with their babies right after birth.

Birthday Party in the Amazon

Three of us decided to stay an extra night after hearing about a local Amazon birthday party.  Alan was telling us about it and his eyes lit up with excitement, we had to go! Addi, Miller and I had a real cultural experience but more importantly we experienced something deeper.  We connected with the people, through celebration, butchered conversation, good food, and music.  They welcomed us into their lives and showed us a good time.  The party was very close at a home on the water.  It was a small and open house that rested on the Amazon.  Families boated over, even the music was two speakers positioned on a boat docked outside.  Kids were jumping in and out of the water.  The deck of the home was half underwater with all the weight. It was really cool to see families interact, people of all ages dancing, and enjoying the party.  The brazilian BBQ was unreal and the birthday cake was chocolate-a local supply. We played volleyball with the kids and danced for hours.  The night came to an end as the night sky lit up with flashes of lightning.  Anyways, I could go on forever but it is late and I need to prepare for AFRICA! In the morning, we will dock in Ghana!